Patient Information: Amniocentesis after-care – your ......Patient Information: Amniocentesis...
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Patient Information: Amniocentesis after-care – your questions answered This leaflet contains some useful information about what you can expect following your Amniocentesis test Healthcare you can Trust
Transcript of Patient Information: Amniocentesis after-care – your ......Patient Information: Amniocentesis...
Patient Information: Amniocentesisafter-care – your questions answered
This leaflet contains some useful information about what you can expect following your Amniocentesis test
Healthcare you can Trust
What should I do now?
Go home, you do not need to go to bed but take it easy for the rest of the day e.g. read a book, watch television.
Will I experience any pain or discomfort?
The area where the needle was inserted may feel bruised or tender but this will gradually disappear over the next few days.
Some people experience a period-like pain but again this will gradually reduce and disappear. You can take a painkiller, e.g. Paracetamol or Panadol.
What if the pain gets worse or I lose blood or fluid?
In office hours contact the antenatal clinic. Outside office hours you should contact your GP who may refer you back to the doctor at the hospital.
How long do I have to wait for the results?
Provisional results take 3-5 days. Full results may take up to three weeks. This is because the cultures made from the cells taken from the fluid need to grow in order to be analysed. The cells are studied to see if the chromosomes are normal.
How do I get the results of the Amniocentesis?
Once the results are available, the senior midwife will try to contact you by telephone. If it is not possible to speak to you then
a letter will be sent by first class post. If you want to know the sex of your baby there is a telephone number to ring on the letter.
What happens if the results are not normal or if there is a problem?
The results may need to be discussed with you because:
• the sample of fluid was too small • the results may be inconclusive • the cells may not have grown sufficiently to be analysed • the results indicate there may be a problem, e.g. Down’s
Syndrome.
The senior midwife will telephone you to ask you to come to the hospital to discuss the results with the consultant. If they are unable to contact you by telephone, a letter will be posted first class asking you to call and make an appointment to see the consultant.
Contact telephone numbers
Monday-Thursday 9am-5pm and Friday 9am-1pm:
• Antenatal clinic 01225 824659• Antenatal reception 01225 824645
Date of publication: June 2014Ref: RUH MAT/005
© Royal United Hospital Bath NHS Trust
